“Fear God and keep His commandments,
For this is man’s all.
For God will bring every work into judgment,
Including every secret thing,
Whether good or evil.” Eccl 12:13-14

It can be a struggle to be righteous (acting in accord with divine or moral law) in world that seems to celebrate, encourage and even reward unbecoming behavior, self-gratification and divisiveness. We must, however, remember to keep God’s commandments even if it means standing alone. The opinions of our peers, parents, bosses, or spouses should not cause us to waver from doing what is right in eyes of the Lord. To know what is right requires Bible study so that you do not fall victim to dogmatic speech presented as God’s Word but, in reality, is far from it. To keep God’s commandments requires one to reject man’s reasoning, “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.” 1 Cor 4:19. Unfortunately, rejecting man’s reasoning can lead to man rejecting you. That can hurt, especially if you are being rejected by your loved ones. However, the temporary sting of man’s rejection does not compare to being rejected by God for eternity. Man’s love is fickle. It changes over time. God’s love stands. And our love for Him compels us to meditate on His precepts. It moves us to live honorably. All of our works will be judged by God, the good and the bad. Let your works be good. It is better to stand alone with God than with a group poised for damnation.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is a stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid?” — Psalm 27:1, NIV

When I was little girl and was paralyzed by fear, either from monsters under my bed, severe weather or riding my two-wheeler for the first time, I drew comfort and strength from being in my dad’s presence. His warm embrace and comforting words were shields that protected me in the midst of all my scary childhood trials. He didn’t prevent my trials, but he was a loving guide as I lived through them. I knew everything would be OK as long as he was by my side.

Once I became an adult, I realized I could no longer run to my dad whenever I was faced with uncertainty, fear and doubt. I had to to navigate life’s ups and down on my own. That’s the sign of a grown-up, right?

Well, not exactly.

I still have a Father I can turn to when I am afraid. The same Father that blessed my dad with the wisdom and character to be loving steward of me as a child also protects, comforts and strengthens me as an adult. Although my adult fears are greater than imaginary creatures, I take comfort in knowing my heavenly Father still walks with me. He walks with you, too. Faith will not keep life’s inevitable trials away. Faith reassures, strengthens, and protects you spiritually so you can live through them.

“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

I was listening to a morning radio program yesterday as the hosts interviewed a young, Christian rapper. He was asked his opinion of several currents events, including his thoughts of drinking alcohol, the controversial new reality series “Preachers of LA” and other topics. The hosts, who readily admitted to not regularly studying the Bible, brought up the seven deadly sins and wanted to know what they were. The young rapper quickly dismissed the question and stated he didn’t think that was listed anywhere in the Bible and that it was a “cultural thing”. Not exactly.

Proverbs 6:16-19 lists six things the Lord hates; seven that are detestable to Him.” The detestable acts aren’t titled “The 7 Deadly Sins” and they are not named as the world has been taught to remember, but they are provided in the Word. The young rapper had a brilliant opportunity to educate an audience that desperately needed it and missed it. I don’t know if his missed opportunity stemmed from ignorance of the Word or his excitement of promoting his new record, but it was a golden moment to introduce the Lord to listeners who didn’t know Him for themselves. Paul further delves into these things as well as the fruit of Spirit in Galatians 5:19-23.

This is a wordy post, but I felt it worthy because it provides a real-life example of why it is important to not just read your Bible and memorize Scripture, but to study it for understanding.